Auburn and Opelika residents looking to save a little extra cash on back-to-school shopping will have the opportunity this weekend, August 6 through August 8, as local and state sales taxes are waived for Alabama’s 2010 Sales Tax Holiday.

Auburn’s Public Information Officer Chris Vessell said the weekend gives the community a chance to save on essential back-to-school items, but also provides support for local businesses.

“It’s more of a public service, really, because the city doesn’t make money off of it,” Vessell said. “It’s not a profit-maker to us at all, but it does help our local business.”

With minimal parking opportunities downtown, Vessell said Auburn will not monitor the parking meters downtown during the weekend.

“It’s nice for people here wanting to go out and shop and take advantage of the sales tax holiday,” Vessell said. “This way they won’t have to pay for a place to park.”

Amanda Valentini, manager of Therapy: An Auburn Boutique, said the tax-free weekend encourages people to shop during a time when they probably wouldn’t because of the state of the economy.

“It’s a nice incentive for people to come into the store that might be a little bit more expensive than what they would normally spend, but knowing that they’re not going to have to spend taxes is a benefit,” Valentini said. “The more shopping there is downtown, the better.”

Tiger Town and downtown Opelika will also be participating in the sales tax holiday weekend.

Jan Gunter, community relations specialist for the city of Opelika, said it’s a great opportunity for families to pinch every penny.

“It’s just a way of giving folks’ some help with back-to-school shopping,” Gunter said. “With parents having to get stuff for their kids, it’s a good way to give them the opportunity to save a few bucks.”

This year marks the fifth year of Alabama participating in the annual event, after Gov. Bob Riley first called for a sales tax holiday during his State of the State Address in January 2006.

Riley encouraged shoppers to come out and take advantage of the three-day break from sales taxes on certain items, according to a press release from Riley’s office.

“In some areas, consumers can save as much as 10 percent right off the bat, and that doesn’t include the discounts stores are offering on top of the tax-free savings,” Riley said. “This weekend provides a unique opportunity for stores to boost sales and for families to save money.”

Items exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday weekend:

• Clothing priced at $100 or less
• School supplies and textbooks priced at $50 or less
• Other books priced at $30 or less
• Computers and computer equipment priced at $750 or less

Items NOT exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday weekend:

• Clothing accessories such as handbags, jewelry, sunglasses and umbrellas
• Sports or recreational equipment
• Furniture
• Video games
• Protective equipment such as hard hats, helmets and safety belts